Auto Accident Concerns
Auto Accident Concerns
Auto Accident ConcernsCommon Concerns About Auto Accidents
A car accident can really rattle an individual's mind, and often leaves people feeling lost and distraught, wondering what to do next. They will often seek family or friends for advice, or will turn to a trusted attorney with questions concerning their legal options. What should I do? Who should I call? Is it okay to tell my insurance company? Will I have to go to court? Should I speak with an auto accident attorney?
Steps to Take After an Accident
First, let's go through the important, must-do steps that immediately follow an accident:
Stay calm - Try not to panic or let the stress of the situation take control of your thought-process. Remain calm and keep a level head.
Make sure you and your passengers are okay, and if not, seek immediate medical attention - If able, move as far off the road as possible, but stay near the scene of the accident. Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights, placing cones, and/or setting flares.
Call the police - The police can help document the facts about the accident.
Contact your insurance company and report the accident - The sooner your insurance company knows about the accident, the sooner they can start working to resolve your claim.
Do not admit fault - Do not discuss the car accident with anyone other than the police and your claims representative, and offer neither opinions on the cause of the accident. State only the facts.
Exchange vital information with the other driver involved in the car accident - Write down the name, address, phone number and license numbers for all drivers and witnesses, particularly those who were not riding in a vehicle involved in the accident. Ask for the insurance companies and policy numbers for drivers involved in the car accident.
Common Legal Questions / Concerns
It is natural to be worried and in need of guidance following a serious accident. People typically are unsure of how the legal process for pursuing a lawsuit works, or how to best approach their insurance agent or a personal injury attorney. There are several misconceptions that many people have about the litigation process that should be clarified.
A Sacramento auto accident attorney knows that one of the most common and damaging misconceptions people make is assuming that their insurance company is on their side. This is not true in the sense that most insurance companies want to minimize any payments owed to you through their coverage. They are a business looking to maximize profits. An auto accident attorney in Sacramento would make sure that you get the most compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses.
If the insurance company offers a settlement, you do not have to accept it. You can always renegotiate. A skilled lawyer can negotiate for you to produce the best settlement offer possible for your case. This process also dispels the misconception that hiring an attorney means you will have a long trial. Most Sacramento automobile accident lawsuits settle before trial. Your case will only go to trial if you do not get a fair settlement offer and your experienced auto accident lawyer believes you have a strong case.
The best way to be prepared for an accident in the future, is to do whatever you can to avoid one. Take the proper safety precautions like wearing a seatbelt and using your mirrors and turn signals. If you want more accident preventative tips, visit California's Department of Motor Vehicles tips section of their website.